Wesley Corpus

W. and his Preachers.” And they think this both their duty and their privilege; namely, to be still instructed, and built up in faith and love, by those who were the instruments, in God’s hand, of bringing them from dead, formal religion, to “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” But still those Teachers are so careful, not to withdraw them from the Church to which they belong, not to make any division, that they neither baptize, nor administer the Lord's supper. If I were desirous to form a separate party, I should do both without delay. 9. I come now to add a few words, without any preface or ceremony, concerning myself:-- Dr. E. affirms, First, that I am a very knave; and, Secondly, that I am in a state of damnation. As to the First, he says, “Truth and honesty choose to enter openly and undisguised. “He that entereth not by the door’ of a plain, simple declaration of his sentiments, but insinuates himself by concealing his opinions, ‘the same is a thief and a robber.’” (Page 5.) We have more to the same purpose: “Upon mature reflection, I saw no cause to flatter myself, that I could procure from him satisfaction as to what offended me. He had discovered himself no novice in the arts of subtlety and disguise.” (Page 24.) Again: “I find little else than that shifting at which Mr. W. is so singularly expert.” This is as genteel as to say, “Sir, you lie;” and it is just as strong an argument. It is indeed mere common-place, with which a man. fond of such flowers may embellish his page on any occasion. But what room is there for it on this occasion? By God’s help, I will sift this matter thoroughly. And I trust no gentleman or scholar, who weighs what I say, will throw this dirt in my face any more. For several years I was Moderator in the disputations which were held six times a week at Lincoln College, in Oxford. I could not avoid acquiring hereby some degree of expertness in arguing; and especially in discerning and pointing out well-covered and plausible fallacies. I have since found abundant reason to praise God for giving me this honest art.